APNU prepared to go to LGE without AFC

By Bibi Khatoon

As the Alliance for Change mulls going solo to the Local Government Elections (LGE) later this year, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), the leading party in the APNU coalition, Amna Ally, says the APNU is prepared to contest the Local Government Elections (LGE) in spite of what the AFC decides.

The AFC arm of the coalition administration, recently announced that it may contest the LGE without the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) by its side. AFC Leader Raphael Trotman told reporters at a press conference that there is an overwhelming call from within the Party for it to contest the elections as an individual unit.

While Ally expressed disappointment with the revelation, she told media operatives on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, that “whichever way it goes, were prepared to go with it. We are sorry that the AFC has taken such a position because like I said, we believe that we are better and stronger together. However, if that is how they feel, so be it.”

Meanwhile, President David Granger and leader of the APNU also commented on the matter where he said he believes in political cooperation and inclusionary democracy.

“As a partnership, we believe in coalition politics, it’s not just a political expedient, it is something we believe in, that Guyanese need to come together in order to resolve the problems of political division and economic development. This is the best way and we will stick together, better together,” the President said.

The President said a meeting will be held with the AFC if a letter is received stating that they are contesting the elections solo.

In a recent statement APNU said its parties, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) – the largest membership – the Guyana Action Party (GAP), the Justice for All Party (JFAP), the National Front Alliance (NFA), and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), have agreed to vie together.

The AFC+APNU administration contested the 2016 local government elections as a joint unit. However, the AFC subsequently raised concerns over its coalition partner being awarded more seats at the various local councils.

Both parties have begun doing their groundwork to garner support for the elections.